Top reasons to choose a career in hospitality

Hospitality is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, with several occupations set to stay in high demand. Whether you want to shape your path to success as a pastry chef or create unforgettable experiences as part of the fast-growing tourism industry, the possibilities are endless. You can count on getting steady pay with ongoing demand for your skills. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, a number of hospitality, cookery, tourism and events roles are in shortage across several regions of the country, including:

• chefs
• hotel and motel managers
• pastry chefs
• tour guides
• butchers
• retail managers

Even if your ideal role isn't currently in shortage, the prospects look good with jobs in the accommodation and food services sector set to grow by 112,400 by 2026.

Not a fan of repetition? Hospitality might be the right career path for you. No two days are the same, with the chance to meet new people each day from different places and different backgrounds. The variety keeps things exciting and engaging while providing you with valuable life experience that stays with you. Being such a dynamic industry, it also attracts a diverse range of employees so you'll work alongside a vibrant team of passionate, fun people who make a positive impact on your work days.

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, meaning you get to build real connections with your coworkers as you strive towards the same shared goals. As a customer service based industry, you also get the chance to make people's day as you contribute to a wonderful experience – whether as a tour guide of one of Australia's beautiful natural attractions or the manager of a restaurant serving incredible delicacies. 

Studying hospitality is a fast track way to enter one of the most exciting culinary cities in the world. Fancy working at a VIP/corporate suite at the MCG at the AFL Final? Or maybe at the Australian Open? You'll have the chance to join the incredible Melbourne hospitality scene through VU. Our partnerships with industry leaders like LUCAS Group and Delaware North mean you'll benefit from hands-on learning and opportunities to build industry connections.

Got the travel bug? Hospitality is your gateway to the world. Equipping yourself with in-demand skills means you can build a career that takes you anywhere, from Paris to Tokyo to New York to Marrakech to Rio de Janeiro. With options that go beyond the horizon (literally!) – you'll always have a pathway to doing something new in your career as a skilled hospitality worker.

Hospitality is a career where initiative gets rewarded with new opportunities. If you work hard, have a positive attitude, excel at customer service and establish good relationships with your coworkers, there's nothing to stop you moving up quickly. Your next career move could take you up through the ranks into leadership positions or present opportunities to explore other aspects within the business or organisation.

Over the course of your career, you'll develop yourself professionally and as a person. You will also fine-tune your business skills such as communicating effectively, teamwork and organisation skills so that you can be ready to move into leadership roles when the opportunity arises.

Roles like chefs and pastry chefs give you the opportunity to flex that creative muscle as you carve out your niche in the exciting world of the culinary arts. From fine dining gastronomy to artisanal baking to rustic, traditional cooking, entering the culinary world means getting to express yourself through the food you create and present. Managers and business owners in the hospitality industry can also flex their creative spirit in other ways, like the interior design of venues or by delivering services in unique and exciting new ways.